After spending some time browsing the pets section on Craiglist, I want to lay with my pit bulls and cry. It is incomprehensibly saddening to see the things people do to this misunderstood breed. Area shelters across the US are jam-packed with pit bulls. Backyard breeders with no regard for the welfare of these dogs continue to sell off dogs with their eyes locked on the bottom line. Ignorant breed “lovers” continue to perpetuate the numerous false rumors including their incredible locking jaws, rarity of certain colors, and inherently aggressive nature. So many dogs need homes, and so many dogs will never get that chance.
I am sick to death of hearing people tell me how vicious pit bulls are. I have never once worried about protecting someone from my dogs, but I feel compelled to protect my dogs from other people. I protect them from other pit bull “lovers” who are ignorant enough to think that their coat color, musculature, and intact reproductive organs make a difference. I protect them from uneducated fear mongers that would shoot them if they stumbled onto their property. I protect them from other dogs in public places, knowing that if their dog went after mine, it would automatically be my dog’s fault.
These dogs are not for everyone. The main reason I say this is because you have to learn how to handle prejudice. I can not begin to tell you how many times I have had rude, misinformed people say things to me when I have them out. You have to learn how to have a thick skin when you share your life with dogs that many people regard as trash. Landlords refuse to rent to you, pet stores will not allow your dogs inside, doggy day cares will refuse to let your dog play, kennels will simply not be able to “handle” your dog, and you are constantly scrutinized by other dog owners.
For people willing to deal with the prejudice and marginalization pit bull ownership often includes, you will find yourself surrounded by love, loyalty, and humor unmatched by many other dog breeds. I know I have stood on this pedestal once before to preach the wonders of bully breed ownership, but the devotion of these dogs to their owners really is their outstanding trait. Why do you think they can be trained to fight for their owners? Do you think a poodle would sacrifice its life for the will of its human? In the wrong hands this devotion can be deadly. When properly trained and nurtured by loving owners, pit bulls make excellent family dogs and companions.
All I really want to get across is this – If you are considering adding a four-legged family member to your clan, please consider adopting a rescued pit bull. Give one of these dogs a second chance at life, and they will be grateful to you for the rest of theirs.
Shelley Bright says
Bless your Bully lovin heart! For I recognize a devoted comrade when I hear one!
Jennifer says
I am very fortunate to work at a No-kill shelter. I bring 1 of my 2 pits to work with me every day for the simple reason of showing people the true nature of the breed – loving, friendly, sweet, and happy. The dog I bring was saved 1 day before her kill-date, simply because of her breed. My hope is that she can change just 1 person’s idea of what a pit is.
solange mendoza says
I have a wonderful pit and his athe sweeies thing in the world!!! his 2 years old,his my companion and his my parents grandson!!! my mom suffers from diabeties type 2 and many times she forgets to eat and MY NIcky ,my beloved dog will tell my father that shes not feeling ok so my dad will get her glucose reading …..you see pitbulls are not the demons people think they are ..this breed is so missunderstud that is a real pity that they are no law to protect this incredibles animals and make sure they go to the right homes ,with the right people … to bad that the news only show the crimes that human do and force this animal into….I wish every body could one day feel the love this dogs could bring to their homes!!!
Many blessing to those who are there to save the pitbulls and care for them. )O(
Jen says
To Jennifer, the shelter worker – THANK YOU for taking your pitty to work and showing people how great they are!!!! Changing even ONE person’s mind does make a difference! I have a bully rescue as well as own the breed myself and they are wonderful dogs! I am educating people every day. Yes, it is hard to have your best friend under attack all the time by the media, just random people, etc but when you run into someone who thinks your dog is horrible just b/c of what your dog is – you have an opportunity to EDUCATE them about the truth! Show them your well-behaved, well-balanced pitty and talk to them about the wonderful traits of the breed and try not to get mad and defensive. You can be mad when you go home – in public you have to suck it up and just talk to people and try to change their mind. That is my rescue’s slogan “Changing minds one dog at a time”. Jen Evans, Wiggle Butts Bully Rescue, Mentor, OH
Melina says
Consider this website love at first site for me. As a rescue volunteer, blogger, owner, and advocate I strive to help educate people about how amazing this breed really is. Thank you for doing this and fighting the good fight. itsthepits.org xoxoxo
Dana says
I have a wonderful pit bull who is a rescued fighting ring fighter and brood bitch. She has gone on to learn how to be a dog again, TEACH shy and unsocialised dogs how to play with other dogs, and is an invaluable member of my family. She’s not only a family member, but without her, I would not be able to have the quality of life that I currently have, she’s on her way to becoming a certified service dog. She has a natural talent for helping me manage my anxiety, and for introducing me to good quality people. She’s also incredibly smart (she can count to 6, working on 7), and has a wonderful, friendly and trusting disposition, which is amazing given everything she’s been through. If it wasn’t for the San Diego Humane Society rescuing her from the horrific conditions she was in, I would not have my best friend now. When it comes time to train a new dog so that my dog can retire, we’ll definitely be looking for another rescued pit. I’ve been in love with the breed for years, and have been incredibly blessed by having my wonderful goober girl in my life.
desiree says
to all of you, you are wonderful people
i my self have or share a sweet blue nose named kikki my sister owns her but i train her and she goes to work with me everyday
i work at bricktard kennel in slc we do daycare we have lots of pittys in our daycare
seems we are one of very few kennels that allow pittys were a traditinal kennel we do training grooming boarding and work with alot of rescues i also have a pitbull support group every wednesday at 730 pm at brickyard 1221e 3300 s 801 486-6007 its free
i am trying to educate the public on the truth about pittys again god bless you all
thnx desiree
Mellie says
I’ll admit I was one of those people who believed what the media portrayed as killers. Until my son brought home the cutest little pit puppy! He is now 2 and a member of our family. He is the sweetest most loving dog I have ever owned. We recently took in a 6 year old female pit that has been used for breeding-over and over. she is already so loving and trusting after years of neglect. They are both “fixed” and get along so well! I just LOVE my bullys, and am continually amazed at how they are treated when we take them outinto town! I feel the need to protect my dogs from people. I have an enclosed yard and they are never let loose or left alone outside- just one incedent w/ a neighborhood dog or child and it would automatically be the Pit Bull’s fault(whether it was or not) But because of their friendly and loving personalities, on our daily walks,they have made alot of friends and changed alot of minds in our neighborhood about Pit Bulls!
Deb Berube says
I am not a dog person and I let my son have a dog and it happened to be a pit bull. Let me tell you, Thea, our pit, brings our family nothing but love, comfort, and joy. I have been turned down for homeowner’s insurance from a bunch of companies, and I was wondering if anyone know’s of one that will except this type of breed at a reasonable price. Your input would be greatly appreciated because getting rid of our family pet is not an option. thank you!
Alejandro says
There is an article on the subject of pitbull friendly insurers on this very site at http://saveabull.com/2008/insurance-for-pit-bulls/
Dagney says
I was neutral about bullies until a little freckled AmStaff found her way into my home 4 years ago. Hazel is an ambassador of positivity for her breed. In a world where so many people have horrifying preconceptions about these pups, she wins over all the skeptics. After chasing bocce balls at a barbecue this summer, Hazel climbed onto a guest’s lap and fell asleep. The man couldn’t stop say “I can’t believe I’m holding a pit bull!” I told him he could cuddle Hazel anytime, as long as he shared this sweet story when he heard people knocking her breed. Bullies are loving blessings. I’m thankful Hazel is warming colds hearts one by one and redefining the stereotype for all her doggie kin.
james says
year and a half ago i rescued a 8 month old brindle pitbull , knowing very little about the breed, but always loved these dogs , i brought it home to are other 2 dogs. (not pitbulls) to the shock of my family whom never knew more about the breed, of pitbulls other than what they hear on the news they were pissed. a father who hated the breed, and a mother who didn’t want any more dogs. i brought it home . when the other family members asked whats the breed , i said pitbull, they were even more pissed and wanted me and the dog out. so i made an agreement with the parents. i asked if we can give it a month with the puppy to see how it does and if it doesn’t workout i will give it to multiple friends who would love to take the dog. well guess what, a month went by and it was time to ask the parents. so mom ,dad,,,,,,,,,, what is the final anwser on the dog. my parents said sit down , they said we want u to look at a place to move,meaning get out. so i thought o shit i have give up this dog i love. then my parents said, but the dog stays ! i almost shit my parents when i heard that. a father who hated the breed ,the pitbull breed and a mother who didn’t want any more dogs. loved this pitbull. now a year and a half later , 76 pounds later and my mothers favorite dog in the house out of the 3. a father’s mind changed and one of the best dogs they have ever owned/lived with. now if your one of those people that don’t know the breed, learned about ( research) the breed don’t judge the fucken breed , don’t speek about the breed in a negative way. and don’t say u know the breed. from friends who owned the breed, and the pitbull was bad, attacked, turned. all i can say to you is either your friend, family member. boyfriend, or girlfriend . don’t have the responsabilty to own a dog or there just plain lazy and don’t give too fucks what the dog does. when you decise to do that , decide to not care and not learn how to train your dog, this is when u see this breed, the pitbull breed, being cut down my the media and news , thats why if u decise to rescue or buy a pitbull, learn ! read! the breed, and don’t judge. all in all. DON’T JUDGE THE BREED, JUDGE THE OWNER.
PamelaL. says
So, you would blame the Bennard family for the deaths of their two children and the grave injuries of the mother trying to protect her two babies from the family pet?
admin says
Thanks everyone for sharing your positive stories about the breed! Slowly but surely I think we’re changing people’s perspectives, one pit bull at a time : )
Angela says
Hi All,
I love animals, all animals and have had several kinds of pets as i grew up here in Idaho. Last summer I was asked by a friend to consider taking in a Pitbull named Titan. His owner, a high school student was headed to college in CA., he had been recruited to go play football. He couldn’t take his beloved Titan with him and needed someone to take Titan in. He was afraid that is he had to take Titan to the Animal Shelter he would not be adopted and be put down. At a 4th of July BBQ I was introduced to Titan, not knowing much about the breed, I wasn’t afraid of him but causious, as anyone should be with any animal. Titan was very friendly and happy to meet me. However I still had to think about taking him in, over night. The next day the boy called me and asked what my decision was. I didn’t want to see such a happy and friendly dog be put down either, so I agreed to take Titan and find him a home. My dog of 13 yrs had just passed away and I really didn’t want another pet. Plus Titan was an indoor dog and my dog & cat were outside pets, I didn’t allow pets in the house. However I allowed Titan to stay in my house becasue I knew we were new to him and he would be missing his owner. Titan picked up on the rules quickly, his prior owner had already had him trained pretty much. So Tiatn being in the house really wasn’t that big of a deal and for some odd reason he didn’t make my allergies flare up.
Well almost two years later Titan is a part of our family, and I could NEVER imagine parting with him. He won over my heart, and my mother’s cat won his heart over….ya thats right I said cat!! Titan is just a big Red Nosed Teddy Bear!! This breed of dog is amazing, just like German Rotts & German Shepards, who I also love. He will defend his family just like those two other breeds and is still a great family member.
I think back now on how meeting Titan came about and I have to think someone upstairs led me to him or led him to me.
RICK HAMMER says
Seems most everyone here knows the breed. yet there are whole cities that ban the breed.(Omaha) It would seem everytime there is a problem its either someone who should not own a pet, period, or doesn’t put the blame in the proper place. Absolutely love my pit. layed with him till he was old enough to get up on stuff or go out by himself and he is part of the family. We know each other well enough to know the other is sick. He understood that something upset me when i was reading about Parrot. Getting between us would not be a place i would recommend for anyone. I, as he, would defend our family. I accept full responsibility for our actions.
The cop on wall street is right there with Michael Vick, ‘cept he’ll get away with it.